last edited Dec 11, 2019
Other practical information for Madagascar
What to pack and equipment to bring
For the coast, pack light clothing for all seasons plus a sweater for evenings or air conditioning. For the interior, warmer clothes are recommended. Since Madagascar is a very rainy island, it’s best to also prepare for rain, as well as for sun at the other extreme.
More broadly, backpacking in Madagascar also means having some "equipment". A sleeping bag liner, a headlamp, flip-flops for dubious bathrooms or walking in water will often come in handy, as will all the necessary gear if you plan to trek. In another area, make sure to bring enough medication and a well-stocked first-aid kit.
Communications
Phone
Country code: (00 +) 261.
Calling Madagascar
To call a landline from abroad: 00 + 261 + 20 + area code + the contact’s number.
To call a mobile phone from abroad: 261 + the contact’s number without the 0.
Calling from Madagascar
To call abroad from Madagascar: 00 + country code + area code + the contact’s number.
Internet
Internet continues to develop across the country, and cybercafés can be found in cities and tourist areas. Wi-Fi is primarily available in large hotels and some bars in Antananarivo or other major cities.
Post
Mail delivery is generally very slow between Madagascar and Europe. In general, it’s better to use post offices in cities rather than villages.
Time difference
Local time: .
Madagascar is on GMT+3. This means it is one hour ahead of France in summer and two hours ahead in winter.
Electricity
The electrical system in Madagascar is quite "varied". It operates on 127/220 V (50 Hz) with "French" plugs (officially types C + E + J + K) or specific ones with three large round pins, which, however, do not require an adapter if you have "French" equipment. Note that power cuts are always possible, if not regular, in some places (hence the usefulness of bringing a lamp).
Opening hours
Laundries
Local tourist offices
Weights and measures
Madagascar uses the metric and decimal system like France (except for the division of the Ariary).
French language use
Malagasy and French are the two official languages used on the island. The former is the everyday language, while the latter is primarily used in business, commerce, or administration. Officially, about a quarter of the population speaks French to some extent, but this figure is much higher in cities or the tourism sector. In practice, you will always find someone who speaks French no matter where you are.